Former Pope Benedict died on Saturday within the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery within the Vatican, a spokesman for the Holy See mentioned.
“With sorrow I inform you that the Pope Emeritus, Benedict XVI, passed away today at 9:34 in the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery in the Vatican. Further information will be provided as soon as possible,” the spokesman mentioned in a written assertion.
Alarm over Benedict’s well being was raised on Wednesday, when Pope Francis described him as “very sick” and referred to as for prayers. Francis additionally visited his predecessor.
The Vatican has been obscure about what ailed Benedict, saying solely that his worsening well being was because of his superior age.
Benedict resigned on February 28, 2013, the primary pope in centuries to take such motion, justifying the transfer along with his age and failing well being. That cleared the way in which for the election of his Argentinian successor. Since then, Benedict has lived in relative seclusion on the monastery on Vatican grounds.
